I fully agree that there is the possibility of tension there. I was shocked when there was absolutely ZERO mention of Rude's friendship with Hennig on the otherwise excellent Mr. Perfect DVD.
The old man has buried the hatchet with Hogan, Hart, Bruno, Piper, Hellwig, SBG, and Savage.
Macho was the only guy on that list to not be alive when Vince changed his mind, and it's apparent to me that Lanny acted as a substantial "posthumous liaison."
Sadly, I don't know that there's anyone who can serve in that capacity for Rude.